APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Norm Schorzman MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of November 8, 2005. Steve McGehee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

OPEN FORUM : No comment

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Written report submitted by Byron Hodges

Cheryl Johnson asked Byron what he was doing on Illinois Street. Byron said that he was filling in a parking area for the Public Safety Building with gravel.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Written report submitted by Chief Neumann

The chief introduced Jim Wright as the new second officer for Palouse. Council Member Wekenman asked Chief Neumann if the second officer is fully authorized police officer. The chief said that on the first day of hire Officer Wright is a fully commissioned officer, able to perform all police duties. The city has 6 months before he needs to attend the academy to complete his training. It has been planned for Officer Wright to begin his academy schooling on February 1, 2006. The state will reimburse the city for his wages during his schooling because we are a population of less than 10,000. The chief pointed out that Officer Wright has had training covering most police issues.

The Chief reported on the cost of outfitting two new officers, and the status of the $10,000 grant for a new police vehicle. He reported the following: 2 dog complaints; 2 hurt animal complaints; assist with Colfax Police and Whitman County Sheriff on a search warrant.

BUILDING INSPECTOR REPORT: Dan Gladwill

Dan reported the following building permits are active: 5 reroofs; 3 pole buildings; 2 stick frames; 1 remodel; 4 mobile home installations; 1 garage. Dan has 10 older permits that he will be addressing and trying to sign off on before the end of the year. Dan receives 3 to 4 calls a week; he feels that there will be on going projects throughout the winter months.

JOINT FIRE BOARD AND EMS UPDATE:

Chairman Snook reported that the Fire and EMS departments will be going through Hazard Material training in the next month. The insulation was put in at the Public Safety Building and rain gutters will be installed on the front of the building.

OLD BUSINESS:

Kary Peterson, Ecology – Air Quality Program

Council Member McGehee began by explaining that the Policy committee met and with the additional information from Kary and the Dept. of Ecology it not in the best interest of the city to put in place an ordinance control or eliminating burning in the city limits. By putting an ordinance in place it would remove the authority the Department of Ecology would have over a potential legal issues. Council Member Snook agrees and stated that the city needs make available to the citizens alternatives to burning. Kary stated that the city has received a burn permit to burn the accumulated pile at the old city dump city. This burn is only for the City of Palouse Public Works Department. The permit has many restrictions and Kary will be working closely with Byron. Ecology would like to work with the city to develop alternatives that would work for the citizens, so burning is not the only way to get rid of leaves and yard debris. Ecology will be publishing a flyer in the next Boomerang edition as an educational tool for the citizens. Ecology will help the city with another ad after Christmas on the alternate ways to eliminate yard debris. Kary also provided the council with ordinances from local cities, for future reference. Steve Brink asked Kary what exactly is a citable offense. Kary said that he did not have a definitive answer. He said that Ecology gives out very few fines. He said the process starts with a letter informing someone of a complaint. This letter spells out the state laws and gives advice on how to burn properly or not at all. He said that 99.9% of the time when a person reads this letter there is no repeat of complaint. The Dept.’s goal is to educate citizens on proper burning and disposal of yard debris. In order for an offense to be cited and fined, a person from the dept. would actually have to be present to witness the offense. Chief Neumann asked if someone receives the letter and they follow the rules, yet the complaints continue, what is to be done? Kary read from the WAC and said that the dept gives technical advice to the person burning. Kary explained that the Clean Air Act explains exactly what agency enforces this law. Cheryl Johnson handed a letter from an emergency room doctor, she asked him to read it. Kary said that it was not his place to read this letter, but he would put a copy of the letter in her file. Cheryl read the letter to the council. There was more discussion on this issue. Kary said that is looks like he will have to spend more time in Palouse. Byron Hodges said that the city has a very large area outside of town that could be used to dump collected leaves and yard debris. This site could hold years of waste and it would never have to be burned. The city crew could create a dump location for the citizens and move the pile when time allows. He stressed however, that this would not be the place to dump household garbage. Council Member Schorzman stated that the county would be willing to rent a chipper once or twice a year for the citizens of Palouse. Kary said that a DNR prison crew could be hired and a big chipper could be used for very large branches. He said the city needs to come up with the program and Ecology and Whitman County will be there for support and possible funding. Kary said that he knows where he can get money for fencing and signage around the proposed leaf dump site. The Dept of Ecology even has an air monitor unit that could be brought into the city for a short time.

2006 Budget discussion

Council Member McGehee asked Chief Neumann if he felt the proposed budget for 2006 was adequate for the new department. The chief said that the budget was doable and there would be no changes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution No. 2005-10 – Adopting the Salary Schedule for 2006

The Mayor read the resolution through in its entirety. Steve Brink asked about the mileage reimbursement. He felt that it should be increased. Discussion continued and the council decided to raise the mileage reimbursement to 40 cents per mile.

Council Member Snook MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2005-10. Council Member McGehee seconded the motion. The Mayor asked for any further discussion. Council Member Schorzman stated that the increases in salary for the city employees are in line and justified. The city has a good crew working for it.

Council Member McGehee-Call to Question. Council Member McGehee MOVED to adopt Resolution No. 2005-10. Council Member Snook seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:

STREETS & SIDEWALKS: Linda Dillard-Absent

FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman-No Report

PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : John Sell-No Report

PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook –No Report

POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Steve McGehee-No Report

WATER & SEWER : David Willmore-Absent

POLICE, FIRE & SAFETY : Rick Wekenman MAYOR’S REPORT : The council was sent a letter from Whitman County Dept of Public Works inviting council members or citizens to represent the city on the Whitman County Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Council Member McGehee said that he served on this committee and encourages anyone to join it.

The City of Pullman also sent a letter inviting the Mayor and Council to attend a Town Hall Meeting on December 13. This meeting does conflict with our city council meeting. Tammy Lewis is the new Economic Development Coordinator for Whitman County. She sent a letter introducing herself, gave information on a meeting for the Annual Downtown Revitalization Training in May. She would like to attend a council meeting in the future. A liquor license renewal was submitted to the city for The Green Frog Café. There was no objection and the license will be approved by default. On Tuesday, November 29, there will be a Public Hearing for a requested street vacation.

The Mayor indicated that when the November election has been certified the newly elected council members may take the place of the appointed council members. The Public Hearing is a legislative hearing and must have quorum.

The Mayor met with Keith Martin from the Department of Transportation. They discussed the reconstruction of Whitman Street, between Bridge and Hall. The DOT said that there may be funds available for pre-design work.

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Jeff Snook MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.

Steve McGehee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN Jeff Snook MOVED to adjourn. Steve McGehee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:45PM

OPEN PUBLIC HEARING-2006 Budget: 2006 Budget Public Hearing opened at 7:02PM

The Mayor complimented Joyce on her work on the budget. The city has experienced loss of income in the past, but with conservative spending recently the city has weathered fairly well. The upcoming year looks good for the city.

CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING: 7:06PM

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jeff Snook MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 25, 2005. Steve McGehee seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

OPEN FORUM :

Carl Cozad-Community Action Center: Carl introduced himself as the new Executive Director for the Community Action Center. He explained that the center will be working on the new bill HB2163. This is a house bill to end homelessness in Washington State. The Center was contracted by the county to work on this project. The Mayor asked Carl what constitutes a homeless person. Carl said anyone who does not have a permanent shelter to live in.

Greg Partch-County Commissioner: Greg said that he was on his yearly tour of the cities which he represents.

Council Member McGehee invited Carl back after the first of the year, as new council members will be in place. Greg Partch continued by reminding the council that he now sits on the TIB board, he also said that there is an opening for another board director. The board meets every other month. The Mayor asked Greg how the county budget was doing. Greg said that it looks better; they have had to consolidate offices and cut jobs. They hope to start 2006 without having to use the county’s reserve funds. The ballot that was passed in September helped the county a lot. Continued work on the Streamline Tax is being done. Greg presented the Mayor with a portion of the ribbon used on opening day of the Palouse Cove Road.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT : Byron Hodges

The crew has finished the water line on Ellis Street. Don has read the meters for the last time of the season. The Hayton Green Park restrooms are closed for the season and the pool has been filled for the winter. The Mayor asked Byron to pass along a Thank You to Marc for the work he did on the barricades.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT: Chief Nauman reported:

The chief went on a ride along with Officer Snead and Ellsworth; he was taken to the county facilities as well. So far everything is going well. Chief Nauman will be the Emergency Response Coordinator for the city. He will also be spending a lot of time at the school. The Mayor said that 2006 will be the year of the Police Department in Palouse.

OLD BUSINESS:

Leaf disposal update

Council Member Schorzman met with County Solid Waste Disposal Coordinator Cindy Leper to discuss different options the city may use for disposal of yard debris. The county will furnish the citizens of Palouse with paper or biodegradable bags as one option. These bags will be available down at city hall when they come in. Several households on the South Hill of Palouse received letters from the Department of Ecology. These citizens discussed the content of the letters and more discussion continued on the issue of burning legal debris. Mike Allen asked about the dumpster that was discussed at the last council meeting. Council Member Schorzman said that it would cost the city $450, for a one time dump and the dumpster would need to be monitored to make sure that only yard debris was put in. Most of the citizens in attendance were not in favor of a burn ordinance for the city. Council Member McGehee said that the ordinance would be more strict then the current state laws. The Mayor stated that the current letters and burn issues need to be taken up with the Department of Ecology. Those issues are not city issues. Cindy Leper and Kary Peterson will both be at the next council meeting.

2006 Budget discussion: There have been four council meetings that included discussion about the 2006 budget. There will be a public hearing on November 22.

Hearing Request by John Sell for partial Street Vacation on Illinois Avenue

The Mayor asked Joyce if the application is valid, she said yes. Council Member Willmore MOVED to set a public hearing 20 days from this council meeting, Tuesday, November 29, 2005 7:00 PM at City Hall. Council Member McGehee seconded the motion. There was discussion on a verbal decision made by a past mayor and council to no longer allow street vacations. The current council is following the current codes and ordinances in place. The motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:

STREETS & SIDEWALKS: Linda Dillard-No Report

FINANCE, PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT : Norm Schorzman-No Report

PARKS, CEMETERY & BUILDINGS : John Sell-No Report

PERSONNEL & POOL : Jeff Snook
Council Member Snook reported that the Fire Rating Bureau was in town to evaluate the city. The Rural rating is at 8A and the City is at 7. These ratings can affect consumer insurance rates.

POLICY & ADMINISTRATION : Steve McGehee-No Report

WATER & SEWER : David Willmore-No Report

POLICE, FIRE & SAFETY : Rick Wekenman
Council Member Wekenman will be setting up a meeting with the new chief to discuss the future of the department.

MAYOR’S REPORT : Joyce and the Mayor will be attending a funding conference in Wenatchee. AWC will be having a meeting on Thursday at the Hilltop restaurant. He asked any council members to let Bev know if they wanted to attend.

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Jeff Snook MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed.

Norm Schorzman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN Norm Schorzman MOVED to adjourn. Rick Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 8:47PM